by Patrick Corcoran

Created on: October 10, 2008   Last Updated: October 20, 2008

The holidays can cause anxiety as you try to put the details together. Weeks before Thanksgiving you start to pnic. Who will play host? Who will take care of the logistics?

As your holiday winds down, get everyone together and decide who will share responsibilities next year.

If you didn't do that last year then you need to get ready now. Write down the people attending and what their role may be in the planning. Indicate if they are good cooks or whatever their skill may be.

Contact the people you will get together with. The quickest way to do this is by email. Send everyone a letter asking who would like to play host and include the fact that everyone will get a turn in the future.

Assuming that you've taken the lead role this year, delegate the responsibilities. Assign people to what they are good at. If your sister makes the best sweet potatoes in the world, ask her to bring it. She'll be flattered you remembered her sweet potatoes and it will reduce the chance of two people bringing the same thing.

After you receive your responses, your anxiety will decrease knowing that many things are already in place.

Whatever is not being handled by your friends is your responsibility. That's the burden of being the host but it doesn't have to be traumatic.

Set your internet service to send email alerts on weather, travel and TV listings for the day of your party. This information will be a huge help.

Another thing to consider is seating. It's one of those things that is overlooked but may cause a hassle if you try to arrange it last minute. Will you have several people interested in watching football? Better place enough chairs near the television. You won't believe how rewarding this will be when you see happy football fans.

If you have early guests who are interested in the parades, set the TV room up for them as well. Usually the parades are over prior to the games but check local listings to be sure. Your email alerts will help you here.

Decorations are essential. Keep it simple and cheap and don't spend too much time on it. Put something up to let everyone know that Thanksgiving is here and everyone is welcome. A wreath of pine cones and a welcome sign is all that's needed to make a guest feel relaxed. Maybe one of your guests is skilled at this. If so it's another chore you won't have to deal with and it gives them a sense of contributing their special niche.

Your two most important decorating sites should be the front door and the dinner table. The door will give the guests their first impression of the holiday and the right ambiance at a meal makes everything taste better.

Your preplanning should also include the after party phase. What materials will you need to clean up? Some of your guests can be a help in this area and don't be afraid to assign a task to someone. Children will love carrying the trash to the outside bin if it means extra desert or a small prize. How assuring do you think it will be if every time you look at the trash it's an empty can? Someone has taken care of it and all you had to do was buy a few gifts at the dollar store.

The larger trash bags will make your night easier too. Absorbent material for spills is another item that you may want to have on hand. If you need it, it's a life saver.

Don't forget to plan a small amount of time for giving thanks for your good fortune. You may include a toast or a prayer but take the time to thank someone for something. Only you and your circle of friends can provide the details for this.

I may suggest thanking our soldiers who are not with us and wish for their safe return.

While your guests are still together, decide who will host next year. Having this information a year in advance will make next year even better.

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